February 9, 2021 | St. Lucie Cultural Alliance | Member Spotlight – Amanda Smith
Contributed by Dorothy Kamm
Member Spotlight – Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith is not a typical portrait photographer looking to capture static poses. She prefers working with artists, especially dancers and musicians, where a rapport of creative synergy results in outstanding portraits that truly are artistic compositions. “I strive to capture emotion in motion,” says Amanda. “There is a cinematic quality to my photos, but the most important element is emotion,” she adds. Her images evoke reactions or are thought-provoking.
Amanda has a studio in Jensen Beach but she also will go on location for a photo shoot. She can work with any background and produce a phenomenal photo. No matter where she is photographing, Amanda focuses on the subject and his or her relationship and reaction to the environment.
Dancers usually are in motion while in a photography session. “Ballet dancers are the most challenging because their movements require strict control,” says Amanda. “But I like challenges and I will push a ballet dancer to break that rigidity.” For Amanda it’s exciting to capture dancers at the moment where something is happening. “Maybe the face is in shadow but the curve of the body is awesome,” says Amanda. “There is a lot of emotion in the body language of a dancer.” The end result may be a photo that is less a traditional portrait, yet a portrait all the same because the photo illustrates the dancer’s capabilities. The end results can be used as part of a dancer’s portfolio, sent to agencies, posted on social media, and as artwork.
According to Amanda, musicians are more open to showing their essence. Photography sessions with musicians often are improvisational, which seems paradoxical since most of her clients are classical musicians who, like ballet dancers following a particular choreography, execute a written musical score. Jazz, folk and New Age musicians seek her out, too. Amanda only works with independent artists. She also collaborates with a videographer who can produce music videos for her clients. “I can provide musicians with a branding package to launch their careers,” says Amanda. They can use the photos and video as part of their portfolio, post it to social media or on music sites such as Spotify or on professional sites such as LinkedIn, and as artwork, too.
Amanda joined to the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance to better promote her business locally and to foster symbiotic relationships among artists. She wants to be part of a larger creative community.
To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: info@artstlucie.org or call 772-462-2783.
To learn more about Amanda Smith Photography, visit www.amandasmithphotos.com. Amanda can be reached at 352-540-1812 or by email at info@asphotos.co.
